This is Kevin Sumlin's final year at Texas A&M, and other bold predictions for the Aggies

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Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin watches from the sidelines during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against LSU at Kyle Field on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in College Station, Texas (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)

As we close in on another exciting college football season, we have some bold predictions for each of our local teams.

Here's what you can expect this season from Texas A&M:

1. Kevin Sumlin out after 2017

Heading into his sixth season, Sumlin continues to burden immense pressure. "Coach Sumlin knows he has to win. He has to win this year. He has to do better than he has done in the past," Scott Woodward, A&M's athletic director, infamously said in late May.

Sumlin's early success seems like a distant memory after finishing 6-12 vs. the SEC West the past few years. His teams can't finish seasons, defend the run, compete with Alabama and LSU or consistently knock off the Mississippi schools. On top of that damage, the Aggies continually attract embarrassing off-the-field attention.

To dig himself out of this hole, Sumlin's Aggies must win at least eight games. Saying goodbye to several key players in 2016 coupled with quarterback uncertainty doesn't help his chances. Sumlin's cheaper buyout only enhances the program's probability of making a change.

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2. Two 1,000-yard rushers

Despite running behind A&M's worst offensive line under Sumlin, Keith Ford and Trayveon Williams combined for over 1,700 rushing yards. The unit up front should improve with its solidified interior, making the duo even more of a threat.

Noel Mazzone admitted his offense would rely upon the backfield duo to ease pressure off their new starting quarterback. Don't be surprised when Williams and Ford register similar production as the Rodney Thomas/Greg Hill tandem in the early '90s.

Nick Starkel should be the starter game one against UCLA. He earns the experience edge over Kellen Mond and trumps Jake Hubenak skill-wise. Starkel could develop into a quality quarterback, but to expect a freshman to immediately succeed under these circumstances is borderline nonsensical.

The heat on Sumlin contributed to his mishandling of the Kyler Murray-Kyle Allen situation. In this do-or-die scenario, Sumlin is bound to strap a short leash around his young quarterback -- potentially sacrificing the instability conundrum. Four-star recruit Kellen Mond in Sumlin's back pocket certainly makes replacing Starkel an easier decision as well.

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4. Christian Kirk will accomplish everything imaginable

If the team were better, Christian Kirk would be a dark horse Heisman candidate. At the very least, he will continue A&M's seven-year streak of producing a first rounder in the NFL draft.

Seven of A&M's top nine best receivers departed after 2016, so Kirk will help compensate with a heavy workload. Once it's all said and done, expect the junior to become the Aggies' all-time receptions and receiving yards leader.

A 90-reception, 1,200-yard season with 10-plus touchdowns is an unprecedented feat Kirk will accomplish. Also, Kirk's projected usage makes it conceivable that he could score through special teams, receiving and rushing. After this year, Christian Kirk will be regarded as a top three receiver in Aggie history, if not the best.

5. John Chavis won't be so highly regarded

There is no question John Chavis' 37-year body of work is more than impressive. But for the Aggies, he hasn't particularly delivered. Kevin Sumlin hired the defensive coordinator to specifically mend the team's run defense woes.

After his group finished 104th in rush defense for 2015, Chavis's unit notably developed the following year. However, ranking tied for 75th in the country for 2016 doesn't cut it -- especially with that talent. The odds of improvement this season aren't promising either.

Myles Garrett, Daeshon Hall and James Lockhart left the team after last season. Three of A&M's four best linebackers -- Shaan Washington, Claude George and Richard Moore --- are also no longer with the team. Fans won't be delightfully proclaiming Chavis as "The Chief" once he fails to achieve his purpose for the third straight season.